The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed urged the electorates to cast their votes consciously and wisely and appealed to the political parties to gracefully accept the results of tomorrow' s crucial general election.

"Let us get united and participate in an appropriate democratic process. I hope tomorrow's parliament elections will be a classic example not only for our nation but also in the international domain," he said in his address to the nation over radio and television on the eve of the polls.

In his apparently last national address as head of the caretaker government at 8:30 on Sunday night, Dr Fakhruddin told the voters that the stature of their representatives and mode of development in their areas as well as overall development depend on their decision.

"You are now sitting in the chair of judge… Keep it in mind that we are going to take a decision for five years through our single day's verdict. We'll not make mistake in taking the decision, Inshallah," he said.

Fakhruddin, who took over power at a critical juncture of the nation on January 12, 2007 under the state of emergency following the 1/11 changeover amid a political crisis, urged the parties to shun malice, violence and hostile mindset in the post-election period and be copartners in the future journey.

"We want to find unity, solidarity and unity in diversity. Today, it is critically important to have mutual respect, harmony and tolerance," he said.

The Chief Adviser said people's verdict should turn to be the responsibility of the elected representatives and the people's support and trust should be the commitment to build a happy Bangladesh by fulfilling the basic needs.

He said he had not performed his responsibility in the last two years with emotion or affection rather followed the Constitution and government rules. "We've tried to accomplish the assigned responsibility with only a few Advisers and Assistants," he said, adding: "We'll not claim cent-percent success for all our sincerity and efforts."

The Chief Adviser said his caretaker government embarked upon a journey for political reasons and that journey ends up with restoration of politics. He hoped that a free, fair, neutral and transparent election would be held tomorrow and it would remain a shining example for the next generation.

"We hope all will accept the election results in good grace," he said, adding that the next parliament will fulfill the aspirations of the people and steer the nation towards development and progress.

"Let violence and clash be gone, let discrimination and differences be removed and let conflict be resolved," he said in his valedictory speech and urged the people to face the future challenges holding the nice dream of independence in ever heart. "Make it sure that new generation does not need to look up the meaning of independence so we can present the nation a nice dream of Bangladesh."

In an emotion-charged voice, the head of the outgoing interim government said, "We had mistakes too. Maybe, sometimes I had been unintentionally the cause of someone's sorrow. For that I sincerely express my regret. I hope you will forgive our flaws and failures."